Page 41 of Fierce Storm
“Of course it is.”
“Hmmm. I’m not a psychiatrist, but I can imagine they’d have a field day with that one.”
Sal chuckles before running a hand down his face and standing up. “You’re right. Paige said she has daddy issues, but fuck, I think I have kid issues. I had grand plans to be better and here I am, married to my work. Again.”
“Sal, I don’t?—”
“I’m flying to Colorado on Monday to meet with Beckett.” Sal changes the subject, grabbing his phone to presumably check his calendar. “I could probably find the time to answer some questions on the flight, if she wants to send them through.”
“I think she wants to do a face-to-face interview.” In fact, I know she does. Though emailed questions sound a lot more appealing.
“Face-to-face?” Sal frowns, tapping a finger on his leg. “Then, no. I don’t have time for that. I don’t have time for anything.” He mumbles the last part under his breath, and a sarcastic laugh escapes me. Even though it’s not at all funny. He’s clearly worried about something, more than he’s letting on.
“You sound like me,” I confess, hoping to lighten the mood. “I had Luke telling me I need to get out more.”
“Luke?”
“Yep. A few of the guys have taken an interest in my personal life.”
“I may have heard that from Paige. I’m glad they’re looking out for you.”
Paige too? God, I’m fucked. “You’re right. It’s sooo sweet.” My voice drips with sarcasm and Sal smirks, his delicious lips quirking just enough to reach his eyes.
“You sound thrilled. They mean well.”
“How would you feel if…” I trail off, an idea coming to mind. “You work just as much as I do.”
“Gee. Thanks, Keels. Isn’t that what I was just saying?”
“Sorry, I wasn’t finished. You need a better work/life balance. And we’re like-minded individuals.”
“Oh-kay. I’m not sure I like where this is going, but please continue.”
“We’re going out.”
Sal’s brows raise almost comically. “What?”
“This weekend we’re doing something together.” Sal opens his mouth to speak, undoubtedly ready to remind me that we often spend weekends together, but I’m about to shut him right up. “Something thatisn’twork.”
“Didn’t I just say that I don’t have time for anything?”
“Yes, but you’re going to find time for this.”
“Right. What did you have in mind?”
“Absolutely nothing at the moment. I will come up with an idea. I’ve got a few days.”
“You do that. And I’ll see if I can squeeze it in depending on?—”
“You’recoming. Block out Friday night. It’s the offseason. We deserve a break.”
I stare his way, unyielding, and he eyes me curiously, his brow furrowed as though he’s questioning his life choices, and it further cements my idea. We both need this. It’ll be good for us.
I just have to think of something we’d both enjoy.
I smile widely, bringing out Sal’s frown, and I snort at his concern.
“Don’t look so worried.” I squeeze his arm, excitement coursing through me. “It’s going to be fun.”
